Retail Operators Fear the Megaplex May Kill Smaller Venues and Trigger Vacancy Glut

Fort Lauderdale-based Muvico Theatres recently premiered its Palace 20 megaplex just off I-95 in Boca Raton featuring large screens, digital sound, stadium and love seats, gourmet food, valet parking and a top ticket price of $15. But it may have doomed the future of older six-screen to eight-screen theaters in the area.

For example, in Palm Beach County alone, six multi-screen cinemas have shuttered within the past year. Others may be threatened by Muvico’s soon-to-open 20-screen house at CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach.

Moreover, what is said to be the overscreening of America may grow worse as excessive expansion undermines the financial stability of sizable exhibitors, say industry watchers.